What's in your water?

Water is essential for life. Approximately 70 percent of the human body is water and it is needed for all cellular activity. Even a slight reduction in our body’s water levels can have a negative impact on our energy levels and overall wellbeing. However, not all waters are created equally - and this is most certainly true of bottled waters.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines bottled water as a packaged food product. Bottled water comes from a variety of sources ranging from treated tap water, to spring and natural mineral water. Water has varying characteristics depending on the water’s source, so it can be confusing. Here’s a short premier on bottled waters.

Tab or Municipal Water: In New York City your water comes from specially built reservoirs in the Catskills and upstate and it's brought to the city in a series of underground aqueducts. This water is treated to ensure it is safe for human consumption. The amount and type of treatment required varies from region to region. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for monitoring and enforcing health standards on all public water systems.

Bottled Table Waters: Municipal water that has been filtered and/or purified to remove bacteria and dissolved solids. This water typically has no nutrients, but does provide on-the-go convenience and provides safe drinking water in special circumstances.

Fortified Waters: This is a very board category. Artificially enhanced bottled waters, also known as functional waters, have added sugars, caffeine, flavorings, colorings, vitamins, amino acids, and electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Waters with added carbonation, such as soda water (or club soda), tonic water, and seltzer are defined as soft drinks. FDA regulations demand that all these waters list all added ingredients and calories on their label.

Spring Waters: Springs are naturally occurring water sources. Most occur in high elevations where an underground water table is exposed. Occasionally, underground pressure forces spring water to the earth’s surface. Spring water from these artesian wells is labeled as such.

Mineral Waters: Mineral waters are the result of ancient volcanic activity and geothermal pressure from deep within the earth’s crust. Rainwater absorbs gases and minerals released from the rock layers it filters through as it seeps down into the earth’s core. This water then collects in aquifers protected by layers of hard rock. These naturally mineralized geothermal waters return to the earth’s surface via springs and geysers. Not all geothermal waters are drinkable (e.g. sulfur springs) and not all mineral waters are effervescent. If there is natural carbonization, then the water can be classified as a natural sparkling mineral water.

Why Mineral Waters Offers More: Naturally occurring mineral water contains significant amounts of mineral nutrients. Mineral waters are highly regulated and must contain constant levels of more than 250ppm-dissolved solids at its source.Minerals, like vitamins, are indispensable. Think of minerals as if they were spark plugs – prompting the cells in our bodies to work better. Our bodies cannot produce essential minerals so we need to consume them daily via food and beverages.

The Gerolsteiner Difference: Gerolsteiner originates from a unique geological region in southwest Germany called The Volcanic Eifel (not to be confused with the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France). It is bottled at source under strict international regulations; what comes from the earth is exactly what’s in each bottle. It has no calories, sugar, or preservatives and is a healthy alternative to calorie-laden sodas, caffeinated drinks, artificially flavored, or enhanced bottled waters. Gerolsteiner Sparkling Mineral Water is a highly mineralized water and naturally contains 2,500 mg minerals per liter (619.75 mg per 8 fl. oz.) and provides a variety of essential nutrients:

·Magnesium: (100mg/liter; that is, 26 mg per 8 fl. oz.) supports metabolism and is crucial for muscles and the nervous system to preform at their best

·Calcium: (345mg/liter; that is, 84 mg per 8 fl. oz.) is not only vital for the strength and development of bones, and muscles, it also plays a role in calming the nervous system, which can help with stress

·Bicarbonate: (1800mg/liter, that is, 435 mg per 8 fl. oz.) is often overlooked however, it is present in all body fluids, and assists in balancing pH levels¾it is especially important for a healthy digestive system and skin.

Pure Balanced Satisfaction:Gerolsteiner’sinherent carbonization and unique combination of all its minerals results in a balanced natural taste that is enjoyed worldwide. Gerolsteiner is the world’s No. 1 sparkling mineral water brand. More than most other waters, thirst quenching and great-tasting Gerolsteiner naturally offers a refreshing way to provide our bodies with essential nutrients for optimal wellness.